Description
This site offers views of Garden Creek (a tidal lagoon), the Chesapeake Bay, marshes, pinewoods, shrubby areas, and beaches. The woodlands are productive for viewing several species of nesting songbirds during the summer, and hordes of birds may be here during migrations. Garden Creek’s lagoon is a good area to see migrating or wintering waterfowl, gulls, shorebirds, and large waders, such as glossy ibis and tricolored heron. In winter, rafts of diving ducks can be seen on the waters of the Bay
Notes:
- Please respect private property signs at this site: The beach to the north is NOT available for public access.
Wildlife Sightings
146 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at South Haven Beach:
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Feb 2026 | 10 | Bill Corbin |
| 6 Feb 2026 | 10 | Anonymous eBirder |
| 24 Jan 2026 | 27 | Jasper Myles |
| 1 Nov 2025 | 16 | Arun Bose |
| 19 Jul 2025 | 22 | David Clark |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Beach
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Parking Area Coordinates: 37.424654, -76.252820
From the Piankatank River Landing, return to the intersection of Rt. 626/SR 198. Turn left on SR 198, continue 8.3 miles (note that SR 198 becomes Rt. 643 after the Town of Mathews), and turn left on Rt. 644 . Continue on Rt. 644 for 0.2 miles and turn right on Rt. 645/Lilly’s Drive. Proceed 0.7 miles and turn right on Rt. 645. Travel south on Rt. 645 for 1.3 miles until the road ends at a tidal marsh just behind the beach. Park on the left side of the road, as directed by signs.
Site Information
Access Requirements:
- Free, Daily
Contact Information:
- Mathews County Planning, Zoning and Wetlands Office; (804)-725-4034
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.